Dominion approved to expand VC Summer nuclear station operations

Dominion Energy’s VC Summer nuclear station, located in Fairfield County in the US state of South Carolina, has been granted a 20-year operating licence extension by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The VC Summer facility plays a crucial role in supplying power to customers of both Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper. With its three-loop Westinghouse pressurised water reactor design, the station generates 966MW of energy, enough to supply 242,000 homes without emitting carbon dioxide.

To maintain the critical infrastructure, Dominion Energy undertakes regular maintenance and improvements at VC Summer. A significant recent upgrade involved replacing the main transformer.

Dominion Energy chief nuclear officer Eric Carr stated: “VC Summer nuclear station has provided reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for our customers in the Palmetto State for more than 40 years.

“With steady population growth and economic development, South Carolina will continue to need a clean and reliable workhorse like VC Summer to power our customers’ homes and businesses around the clock well into the future.”

The station’s original licensing period spanned four decades, from its commencement in 1982 until 2022.

Following an initial renewal in 2004 that allowed operations until 2042, this second renewal extends operations through to June 2062.

Dominion Energy secured similar extension approvals for Surry power station and North Anna power station in previous years, and is also planning for Millstone power station’s licence renewal application.

Beyond electricity generation, Dominion Energy contributes significantly to Fairfield County’s economy by injecting over $33m annually through taxes while also supporting local community initiatives through donations.

Dominion Energy delivers regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina.